THE SCOTCH DEERHOU1O). 177 



BREEDING. 



It is presumed that the breeder owns his stud dog and 

 brood bitches, and hence my directions will be applied to 

 both. 



All dogs of the high nervous organization of the Hound 

 require a large amount of exercise to keep them in proper 

 muscular development. Therefore I would advise only per- 

 sons who live in the .open country to try the breeding of 

 the Scotch Deerhound. 



This breed can not bear confinement in close quarters. 

 It is safe to say that the two prominent breeders in Amer- 

 ica do not raise one out of ten puppies whelped in their 

 kennels. This is largely owing to lack of proper condition- 

 ing of sire and dam. In selecting a brood bitch, take one 

 with strong loin and roomy chest, not under two years old. 



For two months before she is due in season, give her 

 from ten to fifteen miles of regular, slow exercise behind a 

 horse. To properly muscle a Deerhound it is not necessary 

 to give her much fast work. Let her follow a carriage 

 through the country, or if you live on a farm, let her fol- 

 low the farm team around every day. Feed well at night, so 

 that she will have all the night in which to digest her food. 



If your work is slow, she will take it every day, and 

 gradually develop muscle and vigorous health. The eye 

 will become clear and large, the muscle hard and firm, the 

 constitution vigorous, the step elastic, and the courage 

 great. If you can now give her a race or two, to fully open 

 her bronchial tubes, and thus develop full chest-power, it 

 will be well. If she is now coming in season, exercise her 

 until she is ready for service, and then let her have com- 

 plete rest for two or three days before the dog is allowed to 

 serve her. 



The stud dog, of course, should have had the same treat- 

 ment, and hence be in perfect condition. If so, one .service 

 will be better than more; and if either are out of condition, 

 you had better not breed them. After service, the dog can 

 take his rest, but the brood bitch should be left alone for a 

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